About Parent Enthusiasts – Meet the Team

Real Families. Real Support. Parent-to-Parent.

The ableFamilies Parent Enthusiast team consists of parents whose children use the QuickTalker Freestyle speech device. They understand the journey: the therapy appointments, the breakthroughs, and the daily routines that make communication possible. As Parent Enthusiasts, they lead seminars, events, and outreach to share their experiences and connect with families navigating similar paths. Meet the parents who are here to walk alongside you.

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Meet Dana

I’m a proud mom of two boys. My oldest is a neurodivergent teen who loves baseball and basketball, while my youngest is a non-speaking autistic QuickTalker Freestyle user. His “Talker” is part of our family, helping him communicate and thrive. I’m passionate about supporting other parents as they navigate their AAC journey and celebrating every voice.

“Giving my non-speaking child a voice through AAC has been a game-changer. Learning to use his Talker has been an adventure filled with discovery and growth, and I’m honored to be a part of ableFamilies and walk alongside other families as they learn to use their devices and gain their voice.”

Dana Allred
Manager, ableFamilies

Meet Mark – Northeast & Mid Atlantic Regions

I’m a U.S. Navy veteran, a devoted husband, and a proud father. My autistic son has been using the QuickTalker Freestyle for the past two years, and the experience has deeply shaped my perspective on communication and inclusion. I’m passionate about educating others about the autistic community and spend my free time reading, listening to audiobooks, and growing my BookTok account.

“Once our son received his QuickTalker Freestyle, it opened up a world of communication. It’s been amazing watching him find his voice.”

Mark Randall
Parent Enthusiast

Meet Jessica – Southeast Region

I’ve been married since 2016 and am a proud mom to three children (two boys and a girl). My oldest son, Justin, is level 3 autistic and has many high support needs. He primarily communicates with his QuickTalker Freestyle and has occasionally spoken functional words. I advocate for his needs daily, whether through insurance, school, or therapy. I know firsthand the challenges and triumphs of this journey and am passionate about supporting others.

“Justin’s life has been totally transformed by having the Quick Talker device. Before, I could only guess what he wanted, but now-he uses his device on a daily basis and can choose an icon for I want Mommy or an icon for his favorite snack (pretzels). I am getting to know my son more and more with his ability to communicate with the QuickTalker.”

Jessica Dyksterhouse
Parent Enthusiast

Meet Keirra – Central Region

My husband and I are proud parents to four children, three girls and one boy. Our son Keinan, a lively 5-year-old with level 3 autism, is at the heart of our story. The QuickTalker Freestyle AAC device has helped Keinan share his needs and feelings, making communication clearer for the whole family. I love how the device can be personalized and enjoy encouraging other families to take advantage of its features.

“It has given my husband and I clarity to know what our son needs and wants and how he’s feeling.”

Keirra Harmon
Parent Enthusiast

Mitzy – West Region

I’m an Army veteran living in Olympia, Washington, with my husband Jeremy, who is currently serving, and my two children, Ezra and Lily. My family loves spending time outdoors, hiking, and visiting the zoo. Lily, my youngest, uses a QuickTalker Freestyle AAC device, affectionately called “Lily’s Voice”, which has become an essential part of her daily life.

“Explore all the features early and personalize the device! Hearing my own voice on Lily’s device made a big difference for our family.”

Mitzy Miller
Parent Enthusiast

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